Look Who Got Her Ears Pierced!

Kelli has been asking me for a while if she could get her ears pierced. Finally I decided to let her. I warned her over and over that it hurts. I also told her that I needed to put medicine on her ears every day and that she needed to let me twist her earrings around. She told me not to worry and that she would be brave.

Last weekend Chris and I took her to the mall to get her ears pierced. She didn't back down once or show any signs that she was scared. Kelli picked out the earrings she wanted and sat down in the chair. When the ladies pierced her ears, she cried a little bit, but when they held up the mirror for her to see, she lit up. Kelli has been so excited about her earrings and has been wonderful in letting me put medicine on her ears and twisting her earrings. And I also have to say that they look so cute on her.

6 Months

I can't believe my baby is 6 months old now. Carson is growing so fast. He is super long. Just a couple of days ago he finally decided that rolling over is something he is interested in. He is already starting to sit up on his own. That happened at about 5 1/2 months. Carson got his 2 bottom teeth in. The 1st one came in when we were in Hawaii. Yeah he was a pain for a couple of days The 2nd one came in when we got home. Talk about wonderful timing.

Carson used to be the best sleeper. The 1st 3 months of his life were wonderful to me. He slept through the night. Now he wakes up whenever he wants. Sometimes he will sleep through the night. Most of the time he wakes up 1 to 3 times during the night. I have tried everything to get him back to his schedule when he was a newborn. I've let him cry it out several times. I've just fed him. I've held him and rocked him back to sleep, but he still feels like he can wake up whenever he wants. Hopefully it will get better when I start him on cereal. He has his 6 month appointment in a few days and I'm sure his pediatrician will give him the ok to start on cereal. Yikes! I can't believe how fast he is growing.

As of right now, Carson does not have a schedule. I think he is transitioning from 3 naps a day to 2. I don't really ever know when he is going to take a nap, nor do I know how long he will sleep. It can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours. He is just full of surprises. One thing for sure is that he loves to smile and laugh. It is so cute and he screams when he is excited. He loves to get his clothes changed, his diaper changed and loves to take baths. His most favorite toy is his binky. His 2nd favorite toy is his sock and his 3rd favorite toy is his new toothbrush I just bought him. His favorite person is his mommy. Lucky me.

Carson, you are so much fun. I just love you to pieces!

Here is a little video of him sitting up at 5 1/2 months.

Family Pictures

When we were in Hawaii, Chris' mom hired a photographer to take family pictures. The photographer did a great job. It's not very often that you can get professional family pictures taken in Hawaii.

Hawaii

The day after Christmas, we had the wonderful opportunity of taking a trip to Hawaii. Chris' parents took their whole family. The plane ride there was long, but our kids did really well. Coming from freezing cold Utah and stepping outside into perfect 80 degree weather was wonderful. It was great being able to wear shorts, t-shirts and flip flops.

Our hotel was on Waikiki beach. It was absolutely beautiful. We a few times playing in the ocean and building sand castles. We also went snorkeling, we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and took a hike to a waterfall. We also visited the north shore and watched surfers on like 40 foot waves.

Carson chilling on the beach.


Hanging out on the north shore.


The Polynesian Cultural Center.


I just loved getting pictures of Carson in his stroller.

Cool boat.
Cool statue.
Hang Loose.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. This was so much fun because the fish were so bright and colorful and we got to swim with a sea turtle.



Kelli and her cousin Porter
Just chillin'.
Beautiful scenery.

Hiking to the waterfall. The hike was a lot of fun and also treacherous because there was a ton of mud which was the most slippery mud I have ever been on. We were constantly slipping and sliding the whole hike.
More beautiful scenery. The mountains in Hawaii are incredible.The waterfall. This picture didn't turn out like I thought it would. The waterfall was a lot prettier than it looks in the picture.

Kelli on the beach.
And I just loved this picture of Carson with his grandma.
We flew back home the night of the 3rd and got back home the morning of the 4th. We were exhausted, but the trip was well worth it. We came from beautiful beaches, spectacular mountains and wonderful weather to freezing weather and 2 feet of new snow at our home. One extreme to the next. Thanks again Kory and Darlene for such a wonderful trip! We had such a great time!

Oil Painting

I started this oil painting a few years ago. It has been a tough painting and so I have slacked. There have been days where I have been so frustrated with it, but I feel that I have pulled through and got it to where I am satisfied with it. I painted this picture from a photograph that was taken on the day of our wedding. As you can probably tell that it was a beautiful morning that day. Soon I will get it framed and hung up in our house.

Look What I Inherited!

This piano was my grandma's when my mom was a little girl. My grandma gave it to my mom probably before I was born. Just last month, I inherited it. My dad loaded it into his truck with some help from some strong men and brought it up to my house. Then he unloaded it with some help from some more strong men which included my husband, brother and brother-in-law. What a ton of work. This piano is a beast, but I love it in my home. It is great being able to play the piano again even though I am not very good. Kelli sure loves it too. This month has been especially fun because I have been able to play Christmas songs.